Toronto Maple Leafs center Mats Sundin, left, of Sweden, takes a shot in the mouth from Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Wade Brookbank (28) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Tuesday,... (Associated Press)

(Newser)
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Veteran Swede Mats Sundin scored with a mere 29 seconds left in regulation last night, earning the Maple Leafs a 3-2 victory over the Capitals, the AP reports. The goal, Sundin's 21st of the season, came as trade rumors swirled around him, and lent some light to a franchise benighted by Tuesday's firing of general manager John Ferguson. The win was the first under the regime of interim GM Cliff Fletcher.

Fletcher, who masterminded the deal which brought Sundin to Toronto 14 years ago, was quiet before yesterday's game concerning the Swede's future with the rebuilding franchise, saying diplomatically, "He'll go down as one of the greatest Leafs in history." Alexander Ovechkin also had a big night against Washington, continuing his mammoth season with his league leading 39th goal of the season.